A construction worker from Queensland has taken out the national Fashions on the Field competition in Melbourne, in a feathered maroon dress and self-made headpiece.
Carle Rutledge, 38, had entered the competition before but never made it to the final, which is held annually on Oaks Day.
"I've never made it this far, this is insane, so exciting," she told reporters.
"I'm always wearing steel cap boots, so I don't ever look this dressed up. I'm a country girl at heart."
Rutledge teamed the maroon, yellow and navy dress by Roksanda with a yellow bag and shoes and a hat she made herself.
"I'm a bargain hunter, this is an expensive dress but the other pieces are more affordable," she said.
Rutledge won prizes including a Lexus car, a watch worth more than $49,000 and Myer vouchers.
"My (current) car is dusty and scratched ... this one is not going to go to the construction site," Rutledge said.
Australian Associated Press
